The verdict of the municipal council elections is a mandate for our honesty, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said here today.

He was speaking to reporters after attending a victory rally of the party at the state BJP office in South Mumbai.

"People believed in our honest efforts of last two years for development and were confident of us bringing some positive change in the society. Hence, it is the mandate to our honest efforts from people.

Ruling BJP emerged as the major gainer in elections held for 164 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, results of which were declared yesterday, winning highest number of seats at 893, out of 3727 seats.

Fadnavis also defended his cabinet colleague Pankaja Munde over the debacle of BJP in her home turf of Parli.

Asked if the loss has dented her reputation, the CM said, "Except Parli, other three councils in Beed district where elections were held were won by the BJP.Results of one council cannot dent the minister's performance.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)